Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
2 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
High humidity, consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity environment
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern and Central North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Selaginella apoda, commonly known as the creeping spikemoss, is a low-growing, ground-cover plant that thrives in shady and moist environments. Distinctive for its delicate, moss-like appearance with tiny, bright green, scale-like leaves that form a dense, creeping mat.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or rhizomes into moist, well-draining soil.
- Mist regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
- Provide indirect light to prevent leaf scorch.
- Maintain high humidity around the plant for optimal growth.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; check moisture frequently.
- Transplant in early spring when conditions are favorable.
Pro Tip
Use a humidity tray or mist frequently for lush, healthy foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Place in indirect bright light
- Maintain high humidity levels
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Meadow Spikemoss questions
What zones can Meadow Spikemoss grow in?
Meadow Spikemoss is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Meadow Spikemoss deer resistant?
Yes — Meadow Spikemoss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Meadow Spikemoss need full sun?
Meadow Spikemoss does best in part shade.
More Selaginella to compare
Northern Spikemoss
Selaginella borealis
Golden Selaginella
Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea'
Rock Spikemoss
Selaginella rupestris 'Bald Knob'
Rainbow Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata 'RainbowPeacock Moss'
Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata
Moellendorff's spikemoss
Selaginella moellendorffii
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Meadow Spikemoss with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
